AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate — Preparation Journey & Tips

Embarking on the path to becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate is an exciting journey that requires dedication, focus, and a well-structured study plan.

In this blog post, I will share my one-month study plan, incorporating my personal experiences and insights to help you navigate the world of cloud computing and AWS services effectively.

Week 1: Laying the Foundation

As I kicked off my study plan, I started by immersing myself in the basics. Familiarizing myself with the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam blueprint helped me understand the exam’s format, objectives, and the weightage of each domain. It provided me with a roadmap for my study journey.

To truly grasp the AWS ecosystem, I dove into introductory videos about AWS and its services. This was a crucial step for me, as it laid the foundation for the weeks to come and helped me understand the significance of the services I was about to explore.

Week 2: Building Core Knowledge

I started week two by delving into Identity and Access Management (IAM). This domain was vital as it formed the bedrock of security and permissions in the AWS environment. Through in-depth study of IAM concepts, such as users, groups, roles, policies, and permissions, I felt more confident in navigating AWS’s security mechanisms.

With a solid understanding of IAM, I ventured into Compute Services. Learning about Amazon EC2 instance types, AMIs, and instance launch methods was a significant leap. Additionally, I grasped the concept of AWS Lambda functions and event triggers, which added a new dimension to my understanding of compute services.

Week 3: Networking and Beyond

In the third week, I explored networking and storage services. Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) was an intricate topic, requiring careful study of components, subnetting, security groups, and Network ACLs. The hands-on practice of creating VPCs, subnets, and security groups brought the theoretical knowledge to life.

As I progressed, I moved on to Amazon Route 53 for domain management and DNS. Learning about Amazon CloudFront for content delivery rounded out my understanding of networking and content distribution strategies.

Week 4: Databases, Deployment, and Final Push

Week four was dedicated to diving deeper into databases, deployment, security, monitoring, and reviewing. I learned about Relational Database Services (RDS) and the power of Amazon Aurora for scalable and high-performance databases. The concepts of Amazon DynamoDB’s NoSQL approach and in-memory caching using Amazon ElastiCache added layers to my knowledge.

As I neared the finish line, I revisited security services like KMS and Secrets Manager. Understanding how AWS CloudTrail plays a pivotal role in auditing and monitoring was essential for me to grasp how security fits into the bigger picture.

The last stretch of my study plan involved reviewing all the domains and taking practice exams. This phase helped me identify areas that needed more attention and fine-tuning. Taking a full-length mock exam provided the ultimate test of my readiness.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Throughout my one-month study plan, I discovered that practical experience is invaluable. Using the resources provided by AWS, such as their documentation, whitepapers, and online tutorials added real-world context to my theoretical understanding.

Remember, everyone’s learning journey is unique. Adjust the study plan to your pace and learning style. Consistency and determination are your best allies on this adventure. With the right mindset, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam and earn a badge of achievement in the world of cloud computing.

The result was that I passed with 91% Score!

Remember, with dedication and perseverance, you too can conquer this rewarding certification. Good luck!